At the University of Helsinki, we are creating a better world together with other parties active in society by actively working in a range of networks and by concluding responsible partnerships.
By engaging in the annual United Nations Climate Change Conferences, the University strengthens the role of science-based knowledge in international climate discussions.
The University of Helsinki has contributed as a partner in the Finland Pavilion at COP. Participation is assessed annually and depends on the organisation of the national pavilion for each conference.
As a partner, and alongside Finnish companies and institutions, the University brings research-based expertise to discussions within and beyond the pavilion. Researchers highlight the importance of evidence-based knowledge in addressing global climate challenges.
The University of Helsinki holds observer organisation status under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 2018. This status enables the University to nominate community members to join the annual climate conferences and negotiations (COP and Bonn). Accredited community members have the chance to join the events onsite and follow the official climate negotiations.
A joint initiative between the University of Helsinki and Aalto University that aims to strengthen the role of science in international climate conferences and enhance collaboration between academia, policymakers, NGOs and businesses. Through the project, a joint delegation of professors and researchers from both universities will participate in the UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs).
COPLA project is funded by the Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation.
More information about the COPLA project: (
To promote sustainability both at the University and society as a whole, we invite our alums to join alum activities and the University of Helsinki’s sustainability and responsibility network.
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The University of Helsinki has been part of the Baltic Sea Challenge since its inception in 2007. In the commitment made for 2024–2028, the university pledges through various actions to mitigate eutrophication, reduce the flow of harmful substances into waterways, enhance biodiversity, promote sustainable use of the seas, prevent littering, and increase collaboration and engagement for the benefit of the Baltic Sea.
Collaboration with partners both nationally and internationally is essential to strengthening our global impact. We are involved in several networks and strategic partnerships, which enable us to increase our influence and share best practices. In this way, we can build a more sustainable and just future. Below are examples of the networks in which we are actively engaged.
The University of Helsinki is committed to promoting UNIFI’s theses on sustainable development and responsibility in its operations. The theses include ambitious recommendations for action related to universities' teaching, research, administration, societal impact, and campus operations.
The University of Helsinki is an active member of UNIFI’s Sustainable Development and Responsibility working group.
Finn-ARMA is a collaboration network for Finnish higher education institutions, focusing on research administration, research support, and research services.
The University of Helsinki actively participates in Finn-ARMA's Sustainable Development and Responsibility group and its subgroups, which address topics such as universities' carbon neutrality goals, reporting, and responsible procurement.
The University of Helsinki has been involved in the Baltic Sea Challenge since its inception in 2007. Cooperation between the University and the City to protect the Baltic Sea enables both long-term co-development as well as new experiments and initiatives.
Climate Partners
The University of Helsinki has been involved in the network since it was established in 2012. The network members are contributing to making Helsinki a carbon neutral city.
Urban Tech Helsinki is an incubator seeking clean and sustainable urban solutions. Its goal is to attract talent and support the creation and growth of research-based companies in the Helsinki metropolitan area.
The University of Helsinki participates in the incubator alongside the City of Helsinki, Aalto University, and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
The Una Europa alliance connects the University of Helsinki with 11 leading European research universities. The network aims to build the university of the future by creating a joint European campus that enhances international opportunities for students and staff.
The University of Helsinki leads three key themes within the network: student empowerment, diversity and inclusion, and multicultural and multilingual learning.
Educational collaboration focuses on six areas: European studies, sustainability, cultural heritage, One Health, future materials and technologies, and data science and artificial intelligence. Sustainability is one of the network's core priorities.
LERU is a network that brings together 24 leading research universities across Europe. It fosters dialogue and collaborates with EU institutions and organizations related to the EU that operate in the fields of higher education and research, addressing topics such as the European Research Area, open science, Horizon Europe, and Erasmus+.
The University of Helsinki is an active participant in LERU’s sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion groups.
The University of Helsinki is a member of the international Climate Alliance network for climate research. This global and multidisciplinary network strengthens the University of Helsinki's collaboration with other leading universities in climate research worldwide. The network's key missions are to identify effective ways to communicate climate change research and to enhance collaboration with policymakers and businesses.
The University of Helsinki is a founding member of the international Nature Positive Universities network. The network encourages universities and members of the academic community around the world to take measures to promote and safeguard biodiversity and slow down climate change.
UniPID is a network of nine Finnish universities that supports its member universities in integrating global responsibility and the perspectives of the Global South into education, research, and societal interaction, as well as promoting international partnerships to support sustainable development pathways.